Review: YUCK Circus, Edinburgh Fringe Festival By Hannah Goslin

The only way to start this review is to announce that this
was one of the best and most inventive things I have seen for a long time.

The word ‘circus’ could however be a loose term for the
performance; there are some small stunts, a little aerial and flexibility, but
this is not the main focus, and that does not make me mad.

This all female group openly spit in the face of the
patriarchy, but with a sense of humour and no fear. The YUCK ladies take
elements of female life, from menstruation, to talking about messy nights out,
pubic hair to ‘dick pics’ and ultimately doing this with a hint of satire on
how women are perceived in Circus shows.

The YUCK performers are dressed in basic black shorts and
tops, modest and purely to help with the stunts. But at one point, they point
out that there has been little circus; to fuel our need, they do a balancing
act, but not before pulling their shorts up, exposing their bottoms and facing
the audience. This is not only hilarious but is addressing the importance that
we are used to seeing scantily clad circus performers, and at times we question
if this is really for function or for the ‘male gaze’.

They are unapologetic in parts of life that are not feminine
– beer drinking, burping – who cares! They certainly don’t and through this
humour and inventive acts, they poke fun and make a stand at the same time.

They interact fully with us, making eye contact, coming into
the audience and so this is not a show for the shy by any means.

There is also music; and again, these range from satirical
live music, poking fun at what the aerialist is doing, as well as some quintessential
feminist songs, some disco – all the tunes you cannot stop yourself dancing to.

YUCK Circus is what every feminist woman should go to to feel another push in what we are striving for in society; for every woman who is still in the dark; and for every man who is stuck in the patriarchy. It is for everyone who wants to laugh, has a slight dark and unbarred humour and to feel really empowered by these unapologetic and fierce women.